Category: Employers

Is your corporate culture unifying – or unintentionally divisive? Before you answer, you should read this Harvard Business Review post by John Traphagan. Most of us accept the common definition of “corporate culture” as a shared set of values, attitudes, standards and beliefs that characterize how a company’s employees and management interact and handle outside…

Chicken or beef? Wouldn’t it be great if all leadership decisions were as simple as choosing which entrée you’d like? But as you know all too well, most business decisions carry greater weight and are much more convoluted: Take on a huge client that doesn’t quite fit your strengths…or take a pass? Stay the course…or…

They insist on bringing their exotic pet to work. Every day. Off leash. They converted their cubicle to a nail salon – and business is booming. Their daily “lunch break” has devolved into a five-hour nap. Firing these (thankfully fictional) employees would be a cinch. But in the real world, deciding to terminate an employee…

Ever come out of a presentation feeling energized and ready to take on the world? What was the speaker’s secret? How did he keep you engaged and effectively deliver his message? It could’ve been his or her gestures. In public speaking, the way you express yourself nonverbally is just as important as – if not…

“Balance” is out. “Blend” is in. In recent years, technology has virtually erased the boundaries separating home and work. The same tools which have allowed employers to enhance workplace flexibility – things like email, mobile tech, videoconferencing and the Cloud – have also allowed employees’ work life to spill over into home life. Instead of…

Would you describe your business as nimble? Innovative? Flexible? Or stuck in the mud? Organizational agility helps your business adapt to its changing environment, by deftly executing initiatives in support of your overall strategy. It’s what allows your business to: respond quickly and effectively to urgent issues and risks; stay profitable in turbulent markets; identify…

When your employees have the knowledge, resources, time and tools to do their job well, productivity soars. Innovation abounds. And your business runs like a well-oiled machine. But if even one of these factors is in short supply? A “scarcity mindset” can creep in – causing mistakes that bring business to a screeching halt. As…

“You will not BELIEVE this car I just bought. It’s kinda non-descript-looking, the handling is alright, and the fuel economy is mediocre!” Not amazed? Neither are your customers if you’re delivering “so-so” service. In a hyper-connected, hyper-competitive business world, customer service provides critical opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage. But only if you consistently go…

The only constant in business? Change. Regardless of your industry, organizational size or the number of years you’ve been in business, today’s operational environment is volatile, complex, and yes – uncertain. As a leader, does that uncertainty cripple or exhilarate you? A lot of it has to do with how you plan to manage it.…

Baby Boomers are retiring. Skills gaps are widening. Retention isn’t what it used to be. How can ensure your business will continue to have amazing leaders for years to come? Grow your own. Developing internal talent and promoting from within is smart business – but identifying your company’s future leaders involves more than measuring their…